How long should I undergo psychotherapy?
You are probably at a stage where you have already started psychotherapy – or are seriously considering starting. And somewhere along the way, the question arises: OK, but how long should I be in psychotherapy? How long will it last? Forever? If you are at this point, keep reading. We will clarify everything you need to know in a simple and understandable way.
What does “duration of psychotherapy” mean? It is not the same for everyone.
There is no definitive answer to the question “How long should I undergo psychotherapy?” The duration depends on many factors, such as:
- The issue you are facing (anxiety disorder, depression, panic attacks, grief, etc.).
- How long you have been dealing with it.
- The therapeutic approach (e.g., brief therapy vs. psychoanalysis).
- How ready you are to work deeply with yourself.
- The frequency of your sessions.
Types of psychotherapy and their average duration
1. Short-term therapy
Duration: 8–20 sessions
Focuses on a very specific issue, such as separation, identity crisis, fear of driving.
2. Cognitive-behavioral psychotherapy
Duration: 3–6 months with 1 session per week
Suitable for anxiety, phobias, depression. Aims to change the way you think and react.
3. Long-term therapy (psychodynamic, psychoanalysis)
Duration: 1–3 years or more
Focuses deeply on the self, the past, and the roots of your issues.
4. Systemic/Family/Couples
Duration: depends on the dynamics of the system – usually 6 months to 1 year.
*The above durations are approximate and subjective.
When does psychotherapy end?
Good question. And the most honest answer is: when you start living without needing therapy.
Signs that the end may be near:
– You feel more emotionally stable.
– You have acquired tools to manage difficulties.
– Your thoughts have changed—and so have your behaviors.
– You no longer feel “dependent” on the session.
Important: You don’t leave abruptly. Your therapist will help you withdraw gradually and safely.
How often should I go?
At first, 1 or 2 sessions per week is a good frequency. The frequency of sessions always depends on the therapists’ approach. Later, the frequency can be adjusted:
– Every 15 days.
– Once a month (for support or “maintenance”).
– “As needed,” when you need it, and after consultation with your therapist.
Psychotherapy is a process, not a one-off solution.
How will I know that it is “working”?
If you have asked yourself this question, you are already in the process. And that is a good sign.
Signs of progress:
– Crises are decreasing in intensity and duration.
– You no longer react “automatically.”
– You see changes in the way you relate to those around you.
– You delve deeper into questions that once frightened you.
Real-life example
“I started psychotherapy for panic attacks. I thought it would take 2-3 months. In the end, I stayed for a year. Not because I wasn’t making progress, but because as I began to clarify the problem, I began to see deeper issues. And you know what? I wanted that. Because I didn’t just want to stop the attacks, I wanted to understand why they started.”
– Maria, 33 years old.
How long should I undergo psychotherapy? – Why is there no “right time” for everyone?
Because we are all different. We carry different things. Some have a “fresh” wound, others have a whole life to untangle. Remember:
– There is no such thing as “I’m behind.”
– Don’t think that “I’ve gone too far.”
– Don’t easily say that “I’m done because I’m bored.”
– The only thing that matters is being honest with yourself and your therapist.
How can you decide what you need?
– Talk openly to your therapist. Tell them what is bothering you.
– Start with one goal. But know that it may change.
– Think of therapy as an exploration. Not as a “solution” to a problem.
How long should I undergo psychotherapy, ultimately? – It is NOT a race – It is a personal journey
If you are asking yourself, “How long should I go to therapy?”, you are already on the right track: you are searching, you are looking, you care. Duration is less important than consistency and intention.
Don’t worry about “finishing.” Care about understanding yourself. When the time comes, you will feel it. And it will not be out of pressure, but out of inner freedom.
If you want to start but don’t know where, you can make a free initial appointment.
Book a free introductory appointment with us.
Because what you need is not to know “how long it will last.” But to see how it can change your life.
